His strength not mine

The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”  ~Judges 6:12

Photo Credit: mrburton75 Flickr via Compfight cc

He was the weakest member of a faithless family living on the wrong side of the tracks.  When we encounter him in the Bible, he’s cowering out of fear that marauding outlaws might murder him.  So guess how the angel who appeared to Gideon greeted him?  Instead of yelling, “Hey,  you yellow-bellied chicken!” or “Hey, you with the flimsy spine!” he said something entirely unexpected:  “Mighty hero…”
 

...Why did he call him that?  Because God saw Gideon not only for what he was but for what he could become – if he accessed His power.  With that, God knew Gideon had the potential to develop into a difference-maker acting out of courage and boldness.
 
In the end Gideon did receive God’s strength.  Even though he stumbled occasionally, he went on to achieve great things for God.
 
As God looks at you sitting there right now, what might he call out to you?  How about “Hey, you kingdom builder!”  or “Hey, you great man of character” or “Hey, you tremendous parent!” or “Hey, you pillar of strength!”  Imagine what you might become if you lean on the strength of God instead of your own.  Go ahead – consider the possibilities.  You can be sure:  God already has.
                                        ~ Lee Strobel, God’s Outrageous Claims
 
The LORD gives strength to his people.  ~ Psalm 29:11
 
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.  ~ Psalm 105:4
 
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  ~Isaiah 40:31
 
Leaning on His strength together...